Unlike you I don't like to conform to the masses. I like to urge you to think for yourself and not be a sycophant....
Also, I didn't know I had to "get over myself" and do something that goes against what I feel.
One *could* say that we'd all get along better if we didn't reject people based on ONE character trait... it's not like she tortures animals or something. Believing in god is not a flaw, you know. Being a religious nut and rejecting all other beliefs and world views is. But then again they share that with a lot of atheists...
I used to hate religion with a passion. I'm agnostic, but I hated all those "stupid" religious people for all the horrible stuff religion has done to mankind. I still strongly dislike religious institutions. They have little to do with the original teachings and just foster hatred around the world. But religion and faith are two different things.
I'm in the process of getting over my hatred for all things religious. I'm no better than a religious nut if I'm this dogmatic about my own world view.
I strongly advise everyone to let go of their resentment for everyone who does not agree with their opinion.
I'm a vegetarian but I don't hate everyone who eats meat. I don't reject relationship partners based on that either. I'd be happier if they were vegetarian or vegan, too. But that shouldn't be what makes me like or dislike a person. In fact, I dislike many vegans because they feel sooo superior and push the vegan agenda at you like the biggest religious zealots.
Yes, being religious or not is a big part of a person. But it does not automatically make somebody good or bad. Smart or dumb. In fact, I've come to appreciate people who believe in *something*. I much prefer them over gloomy disillusioned people. They are often less angry.
In the case of Cassandra: I love her character. She's a very moderate and open-minded religious woman. She saw herself forced to REJECT the Chantry because she realized they have lost their way! So she's religious but not a religious zealot. BIG difference. Cassandra is a very moral, kind woman. There is so much to like about her. She represents pretty much an ideal to me. She hates the abuse of power, that includes the Chantry. She supports equality and a better life for everyone. She's quick to disapprove but then always softens up and sees things from your point of view. When she asked what my character believes in, I answered the Elven gods. Of course, she disapproved a little, just as anyone would when somebody disagrees. But she wasn't condescending about it at all. I thought her almost timid question if there was room for one more god, was very cute. That's not pushing religion to me. She accepts you even if she doesn't always approve right away. That's more than most people in real life do.
Can't say about Josephine yet. We haven't talked about religion yet.